Increasing numbers of teenagers feel under pressure to ‘sext’ people they have met online, a children’s charity have warned.

Campaigners have issued a warning about sexting as part of Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Week.

Research from the Children’s Society shows that 38 pc of 16-17-year-olds they surveyed felt under pressure to send explicit photos of themselves to someone they met online.

Youngsters are also being groomed and encouraged to sext by friends or people their own age.

The Children’s Society have been working with Greater Manchester Police to crack down on grooming as part of GMP’s Project Phoenix.

Rob Jackson, the North West Area Director for The Children’s Society, said: “We know from talking to young people that online grooming, including ‘sexting’ is a growing issue – and this can sometimes involve their peers.”

He added: “Any photo or communication sent through social media or a smart phone app, may feel private at the time, but can quickly be seen online by people all over the world.

“And we know that in some cases, online groomers will look to meet the child they are talking to.

“That is why we are supporting this week of action with our Project Phoenix partners and urging young people, parents and carers to ensure some basic rules are followed when it comes to online safety – things like checking privacy settings and being careful who they talk to.”

Young people with learning disabilities were particularly vulnerable to online grooming, according to another report published by the charity.

Ms Coffey, MP for Stockport, first raised sexting and the link with sexual grooming in an adjournment debate in the Commons early 2012 and has called for the mobile phone industry to do more.

Her report, Real Voices, has been at the forefront of the campaign against Child Sexual Exploitation.

She said: “The rise of sexting is a consequence of the sexualisation of children and the normalisation of pornography.

“We can hardly be surprised if children who have been the victim online grooming go on to inflict it on other children.

“From a parent’s point of view it can be very difficult for them to deal with, particularly when their kids are at an age where they are becoming more independent.

“It’s vital that parents are listened to and that their concerns are taken seriously.”